Bioengineered lymphatic healing platform for breast cancer-related lymphedema

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project uses a 3D-printable alginate hydrogel layer, coated with an anti-fibrotic molecule, to recruit and reconstruct lymphatic vessels in affected regions. It combines programmable cell therapies within the hydrogel to promote lymphatic growth while reducing foreign-body reactions. The goal is to address the root causes of lymphedema instead of relying on lifelong compression, potentially lowering infection and hospitalization risks. The work is tested in preclinical models and focuses on translating these findings toward human treatment options.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Rice University
  Houston, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Veiseh, Omid — Rice University
• Study coordinator: Veiseh, Omid

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Why Black women have higher risk of arm swelling after breast cancer surgery

  This project looks for cellular reasons why Black women are more likely to develop long-term arm swelling after lymph node removal for breast cancer.

  NIH research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · New York, United States · NIH-11249991

• A new treatment platform for breast cancer-related lymphedema

  This study is testing a new gel treatment for breast cancer survivors who have lymphedema, aiming to help them feel better by improving lymphatic drainage and reducing symptoms in a less invasive way.

  NIH research Rice University · Houston, United States · NIH-11123016

• Understanding why Black women are more likely to develop lymphedema after breast cancer treatment

  This study is looking at why Black women are more likely to develop lymphedema after breast cancer treatment, and it will follow women who have had surgery to remove lymph nodes to find out what factors might increase this risk, with the hope of improving prevention and treatment options for those affected.

  NIH research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · New York, United States · NIH-11010772

• Exploring lymphedema symptoms and lifestyle in breast cancer survivors who are nurses

  This study is looking at how breast cancer-related lymphedema affects nurses who have survived breast cancer, focusing on their symptoms and daily challenges, to better understand their needs and improve support for them.

  NIH research University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia, United States · NIH-10865488

• Improving Breast Cancer Guideline Adherence in Nigeria

  Aimed at helping doctors in Nigeria follow international guideline-based breast cancer care to improve outcomes for women with breast cancer.

  NIH research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · New York, United States · NIH-11625517

• Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry

  This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.

  NIH research Tuskegee University · Tuskegee Institute, United States · NIH-11621786

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.